Learn how artists observe and interpret their surroundings, translating what they see into thoughtful, well-constructed paintings. Through creating and arranging their own still lifes, participants will explore composition, light, and spatial relationships while painting objects within specific settings and lighting conditions.
Instruction will focus on color identification and mixing, understanding value, and learning to simplify and generalize forms to create clear, cohesive images. Emphasis will also be placed on considering objects in relation to the space around them—an essential skill for confident, expressive painting.
This foundational class is designed for new and returning students who wish to develop the skills needed to work independently in oil or acrylic.
Please bring a tube of red, yellow, blue, white, and black paint, along with a bristle brush, to the first session.
Tuition for this class includes a fee of $10 for newsprint and charcoal provided by CAW.
School Policies
Students who withdraw 48 hours prior to the first class are eligible for a refund or credit toward another class, less a $25 registration fee.
Please click here for more details.
Term: Spring 2026
Suggested Ages: 18+
Acrylic or oil paint in tubes (Golden and Liquitex are best acrylic paints. Avoid student grades) - Napthal crimson (cadmium red light, cadmium red medium) - Hansa yellow medium (or cadmium yellow hue) - Ultramarine blue (cobalt blue) - Phthalo blue -Permanent green (viridian, phthalo green) - Dioxazine purple (violet) - Titanium white - Ivory black Brushes - flats, bristle 6, 8, 10 Large disposable palette 12 x 16 minimum Palette knife with bent handle Canvas pad or canvas boards 12 x 16, 14x 18 or 16 x 20 Pencil, ruler, eraser